Dear News Of The Area,

AS President of the Hawks Nest /Tea Gardens Progress Association, I feel compelled to write to correct a statement in last weeks edition (11 August 2016) of the News of the Area (Myall Coast).

Under the heading ‘Projects and roadworks’ on page 8, and in particular the item relating to Kingfisher Ave, Hawks Nest, MidCoast Council has reported that ‘wheel stops are to be removed along the footpath on Kingfisher Ave between the Singing Bridge and Ibis St as per request and grant funding from Hawks Nest / Tea Gardens Progress Association’.

This project was initiated by the Progress Association and we were fortunate enough to acquire a State Government grant of $15,500 which was transferred to Council as our contribution towards the improvement of the path along Kingfisher Ave.

However, although the Association was a financial partner in this project, I want to make it quite clear to the community that the Progress Association has never suggested that the “wheel stops” (kerb blocks) be removed. In fact, all the emails and correspondence that has been exchanged with Council on this matter have expressed the view that the kerb blocks should be RELOCATED closer to the white edge line so that the barrier is maintained and the shared pedestrian/cycle path can be widened to meet Australian Standards.

Since Council staff have elected to completely remove the blocks which previously separated traffic from pedestrians and cyclists, there is no longer any physical barrier between the movements.

The Progress Association believes this arrangement is inherently unsafe and, therefore, it is not endorsed by the Association.

If you are unhappy with the current arrangement, please direct your complaints to Kumar Kuruppu at MidCoast Council on 6591 7222 or kumar.kuruppu@greatlakes.nsw.gov.au